Preliminary Hearing Continued

Woodrow Keefer
A McConnellsburg man remains free on bail while he awaits a preliminary hearing on charges he sexually assaulted and exposed himself to several young boys.

Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Keefer Jr., 63, of 385 Peach Orchard Road was released from the Franklin County Prison on September 9 after having posted $200,000 bail. Keefer is charged with six counts of rape, nine counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, three counts of unlawful contact with a minor, three counts of statutory sexual assault, 24 counts of indecent assault, four counts of indecent exposure and three counts of the corruption of minors.

Keefer is currently represented by defense attorney Jeff Evans. His prior preliminary hearing scheduled for August 30 was rescheduled as was the latest hearing on Monday, September 20. The most recent continuance was granted based on attorney Evans being unable to locate the services of a court reporter for the 9:30 a.m. hearing.

Investigating officer Trooper Angela Roher of the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Mc- Connellsburg previously stated in an affidavit of probable cause that she interviewed three young men who ranged in age from 4 to 12 when the alleged molestation occurred between January 1999 and December 2004. One of the victims, Roher added, had begun receiving counseling services, bringing to light the incidents that occurred in a walk-in closet and shed at the Keefer household and also in a nearby wooded area.

The outdoor outtings, the affidavit elaborated, were referred to as “Guys Day Out” and involved the children being told to strip off their clothing and searched by Keefer for ticks. The children were given “dirty dollars” on their way back to Keefer’s home and reminded to keep their secret.

As of press time Tuesday a new date had not been scheduled for Keefer’s hearing.